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THE 



poultry Doctor. 



A TREATISE ON 



^Diseases of Ji oaltru, 

WITH THEIR 

SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES. 
Homcepathscand Allopathic. 



ALSO A CHAPTER 

ON THE KEEPING AND REARING OF POULTRY. 



BY 



JOHN E. DIEHL, 

Supt. Poultry Dept. U. S. Centennial Exposition. 



3i 

S^lM 4GO >s. 3d STREET, 



PUBLI8HED BY 

THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, 

PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/poultrydoctortreOOdieh 



THE 

POULTRY DOCTOR 

No. 6. 

A TREATISE ON 

DISEASES OF POULTRY, 

WITH 

SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES, 

HOMCEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC. 

ALSO A CHAPTER ON 

KEEPING AND REARING POULTRY. 

BY 

JOHN K. DIEHL, 

Supt. Poultry Dept. U. S. Centennial Exposition. 
PRICE 25 CENTS ; 

» « 

PUBLISHED BY 

THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, 

Office: No. 400 North Third *--*«**- 
PHILADELPHIA, 



.lis 



, ^ _« ;„ tii.v t P'ir 1S99. by the 
1 according to Act ot Congress, in the J ear 

ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, 

an or Congress, at Wasluugton, D C 



Ente re 
In the Office of tl e Libra 



Publisher 
1€J« 



i » 



PREFACE. 



The object in presenting this little work before the 
Poultry public is to impart, at small expense, some of 
the most effective remedies that have been successfully 
applied by the writer within an experience of the past 
twenty-five years. The same has been carefully compiled 
and arranged in convenient form, treating on all the 
different diseases to which fowls fall heir to in this coun- 
try, together with the Homoeopathic and Allopathic 
remedies for the same. Those following the directions, 
will find that almost all the different diseases can be 
readily overcome, particularly if taken in the commence- 
ment, and the practicable advice given will, no doubt, 
be appreciated by all intelligent breeders of the feathered 
tribe. 

Respectfully, 

JOHN E. DIEHL, 

Supt. Poultry Dept. 
V. S. Centennial Exposition* 



Diseases of Poultry* 



SYHPTOHS OF SAME, WITH REHEDIES FOR THEIR 

CURE BY HOriCEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC 

TREATHENT. 



Poultry, like human beings, are subject to numerous 
disorders and ailments which often require medical treat 
ment in order to help nature assume its healthful sway. 
We can do no more than co-operate, and our aim should 
be to follow the indications held out, and assist in the 
effort to restore health. 

Before taking- up the different varieties of diseases, 
it is well to bear in mind the old adage, that u an ounce 
of prevention is better than a pound of cure." Fowls 
need very little medicine if they are properly cared for, 
well lodged, in good, dry, clean, and warm houses that 
are protected from the weather, and well ventilated, with 
fair sized grass and gravel runs, good, wholesome food, 
and plenty of fresh, clean, drinking water. It will be 



6 the Poultry doctor. 

found upon direct investigation, that the greater portion 
of poultry diseases arise from the wants of either one, or 
all of the above requirements. The raising of poultry, 
like any other business, requires strict attention in order 
to prove successful. 



NURSING AND DIET. 



chiefly of soft food, such as oatmeal, or cornmeal mixed 
with bran, scalded by hot water, and made into a crumbly 
paste, with fresh, clean water for drink. At the same time 
the patient should be kept free from all those influences 
which have fostered the disease; it should also be separa 
ted from its healthy mates, and be placed in a thoroughly 
dry, light, clean and well ventilated place, free from 
strong odors. The object of this, is not only to obviate 
contamination, but to prevent the patient from being 
w r orried by its more healthy companions. 



HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT. 

By the Associated Fanciers' Specifics. 

I have used Homoeopathic Specifics for severeral year, 
with excellent effect. They are simple, easily administer- 
ed, and very efficient, and if given by mistake, or in 
error as to the disease, they will occasion no more harm 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 9 

t-lian a possible loss of time. The doses, in general, to be 
given are two pellets for a chicken, or four for a fowl; 
this may be repeated every two or three hours in severe 
cases, or two or three times a day in chronic cases If 
the veterinary specifics are used, one drop diluted in 
water is sufficient for five fowls, or ten chickens, and the 
repetition may be as above. When a flock of fowls are to 
be treated, the pellets or drops may be dissolved in water, 
i rid mixed with the soft food; care being taken in such 
cases to have the pellets thoroughly dissolved, or the 
drops well mixed with water before putting it in the food. 
The specifics can be obtained from the Associated Fan- 
ciers, 400 North Third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Most of 
them can be delivered by mail. The pellets are number- 
ed, being the same as are used for individual complaints, 
The veterinary specifics are liquids, and are lettered. 



ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT. 

This method of treatment is more generally known to 
poultry breeders, as it has been the only one until recent- 
ly, that has been applied to alleviate the sufferings of 
fowls. It also has its advantages in those cases where 
the remedies are either mixed with the food, or put into 
the drinking water, as it requires none, or very little 
handling of the patient. The doses to be given will be 
found under the headings of the different diseases, and 
must be regulated in accordance with the state of the 
disease, and the ages and numbers of the fowls. 

To administer pills or liquids direct to the fowl, take it 



10 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

on your lap, with your left elbow resting on its back, seize 
its head with the left hand, and open the bill with the 
left hand thumb and forefinger, at the same time keeping 
its head up. In this position the remedies can be readi- 
ly dropped or poured down the throat by the right hand, 
taking care that the head is held up until it has swal- 
lowed the medicine. 

All medicines, to retain their strength and qualities, 
should be kept in a dry, cool place, free from strong odors; 
if in bottles, they should be corked immediately after 
being used, taking care to use the same corks. 



CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES. 

As this work is intended for the novice as well as the 
professional breeder of poultry, it will be more convenient 
to arrange the different diseases under the heading of 
the organs that are affected. They will therefore be trea- 
ted in the following divisions: 

DIVISION I. 

DISEASES OF THE HEAD, BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Fevers, Swelling of the head, Apoplexy, Vertigo, Epi 
lepsy, Paralysis, Canker of the mouth, comb, head or 
eyes, and Sore Eyes. 

DIVISION II. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

Diarrhoea ChoWa, Costiveness and Constipation, 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. H 

Dropsy, Tumors, Worms, Crop Bound, Soft or Swollen 
Crop and Indigestion. 

DIVISION III. 
DISEASES OF THE AIR PASSAGES. 
Gapes, Pip, Bronchi! is, Coryza or Catarrh of the Nose, 
Roup, Diphtheria <>/ Ulcerated Throat, Consumption, 
Debiiily and Black Rot. 

DIVISION IV. 
DISEASES OF THE EGG PASSAGES. 
Hernia or protrusion of the Egg Passages, Soft Shell- 
Eggs, Abortion. 

DIVISION V. 

DISEASES OF THE LIMBS AND FEET. 

Gout, Rheumatism and Cramp, Leg Weakness, Bum- 
ble Foot, Scaly Leg or Elephantiasis. 
DIVISION VI. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

Bad Moulting, Bad Fledging, Chicken Pox, White 
Comb, Scurvy or Itch, Frosted Comb and Wattles and 
Vermin. 

DIVISION VII. 

FRACTURES AND BRUISES. 

Broken Bones and Fractures, Bruises and Contusions. 
DIVISION VIII. 

niSCELLANEOUS. 

Feather Eating, Wry Tail, Squirrel Tail. 



12 THE POULTRY t>OCTOtt. 

DIVISION 1. 
Diseases of the Head, Brain and Nervous System. 

FEVERS. 

Causes — The principal periods that fowls are subject to 
fevers are during hatching, and at the commencement of 
the laying seasons; at these times the heat of the body is 
so increased that it is perceptible to the touch. Fighting 
frequently causes fevers which sometimes prove fatal. 

Symptoms — An increased circulation of the blood, ex- 
cessive heat of the body and restlessness. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Confine the bird in a quiet 
place, and give No 1, or Alpha. 

Allopathic Remedy — Give a dessertspoonful of Magne- 
sium Citrate Solution, together with ten drops of Sweet 
Spirit of Nitre to half a pint of drinking water. 

SWELLING OF THE HEAD. 

Causes — This Malady is caused by musty food, putrid 
water, or a general disturbance of digestion. 

Symptoms — General mopishness, and swelling of the 
head, with fever. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Same as for fevers. 

Allopathic Remedy — Same as for fevers. 

APOPLEXY, VERTIGO AND EPILEPSY. 

Causes— Undue flow of blood to the head, which is 
usually caused by overfeeding. 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 13 

Symptoms — Running around in a circle, or fluttering 
about, with apparently but little control of the muscular 
actions. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Holding the head under a 
stream of cold water for a short time will arrest the dis- 
ease; then place the bird in a somewhat dark place by 
itself, feed sparingly on soft food for a few days, and 
give No. 33, or Alpha. 

Allopathic Remedy— Bleed from the large vein under 
the wing; cut the vein lengthwise with a lance or sharp 
knife; also give an aperient or a tablespoonful of Castor 
Oil to a large fowl, or a teaspoonful to a small one. 

PARALYSIS. 

Causes — An affection of the spinal cord, brought about 
by an overstimulating diet. 

Symptoms — Inability to move the limbs; care must be 
taken not to confound this disease with leg weakness, 
which will be referred to hereafter. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Give same as for apoplexy; it 
is almost a hopeless complaint to cure. 

Allopathic Remedy — Give an aperient same as for 
apoplexy. 

CANKERS OF THE MOUTH, COMB, HEAD OR 
EYES. 

Causes — Bad housing, uncleanliness, musty or un- 
wholesome food. 

Symptoms— The breaking out of cancerous running 
sores in the head, mouth, or throat, accompanied with a 



14 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

watery discharge from the eyes, and a mucous secretion 
in the mouth and throat. 

Homoeopathic Remedy- Give No. 29, or Alpha follow- 
ed by Gamma, and use the Associated Fanciers' Healing 
Balm as an ointment; remove the fowl from its compan- 
ions, as the disease is infectious. 

Allopathic Remedy — Wash the head and eyes, and 
swab out the mouth and throat with diluted Labarra- 
que's solution containing one-half water, or remove the 
ulcers with a quill, and apply nitrate of silver, or pow- 
dered borax to the places left bare, to be repeated twice a 
day. Mix a teaspoonful of powdered sulphur in the 
feed. 

SORE EYES. 

Causes — Overheating, dust, dampness, or climatic 
changes. 

Symptoms An apparent watering of the eyes, which, 
if not attended to in time, will turn into ulcerations. 

Homoeopathic Remedy Wash the eyes with castile 
soap and water, and give No. 18. 

Allopathic Remedy Give sulphur in food, and wash 
the eyes with diluted Labar»'aque's solution. 



DIVISION II. 
Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Causes— Exposure to damp, cold, wet weather, neglect 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 15 

to clean the house or run, or too much green food, and 
not enough grain. 

Symptoms— Lassitude and emaciation, voiding of cal- 
careous matter of a white color streaked with yellow, 
which sticks to the feathers near the vent. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Feed on boiled rice or warm 
barley meal, and give the specific No. 4, or Zeta. 

Allopathic Remedy— Give five drops of spirit of cam- 
phor on a bolus of meal, or ten drops in a pint of drinking 
water, or one of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Chicken 
Cholera Pills twice daily. Feed on soft food highly sea- 
soned with the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder. 

CHOLERA. 

Causes— This disease is almost as much to be dreaded 
as the Roup. It is of a miasmatic origiou, epidemic, but 
not naturally contagious; it is caused principally by over- 
crowding, keeping too many fowls in one place, bad 
sanitary management, unwholesome or irregular food or 
impure drinking water. 

Symptoms -Drooping of the wings, ruffling of the 
feathers, the comb and gills turn dark, sometimes nearly 
black, together with copious discharges from the bowels 
of a greenish color. The fowls refuse to eat, but drink 
with avidity. 

Homoeopathic Remedy -Give No. 6, or Zeta, besides 
giving the No. 6 in Pills, dissolve some of the pills in the 
drinking water, keep the fowls in a dry place, and feed in 
moderation on dry food. 

Allopathic Remedy-Give fresh soft food daily in mod- 
eration, mix with the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder in 



16 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

proportion of one tablespoonful to a quart of meal. Ad- 
minister one of the Philadelphia Bird Food Go's Cholera 
Pills three times per day They seem to act as a specific 
for this dread disease. 



COSTIVENESS AND CONSTIPATION. 

Causes — Too long continued feeding on dry food, with- 
out sufficient green vegetables; want of a sufficient sup- 
ply of pure drinking water, or too close confinement. 

Symptoms - Unsuccessful attempts of the fowls to re- 
lieve themselves, although they make frequent efforts to 
do so, and when they succeed it is in small quantities 
and is hard and dark. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Feed on bread soaked in warm 
milk, and give No. 10, or Kappa. 

Allopathic Remedy — Give plenty of green food, mix 
bran meal with soft food, and give ten grains of Sulphate 
of Magnesium to a pint of drinking water. 

DROPSY. 

Causes — A decomposition of the fluids of the whole 
body generally brought about by overfatnessandold age. 

Symptoms— Swelling of the abdomen, with ruffled 
plumage. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 25 both dry and 
dissolved in water. 

Allopathic Remedy— One ounce of Cream of Tartar dis- 
solved in water; give a teaspoonful to a half pint of 
prinking water; continue for about a week. 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. If 

TUMORS. 

Causes— Want of cleanliness, neglected wounds, or ex- 
ternal injuries. 

Symptoms Not necessary to describe, as they are well 
known when seen. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Anoint the parts with the 
Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm, and give No. 17, or 
Iota. 

Allopathic Remedy Diet the fowl, and give one des- 
sertspoonful of Castor Oil for a large fowl; if not better in 
three or four days repeat the same, and bathe the parts 
with the H. H. H. Medicine. 

WORMS. 

Causes — A secretion of mucous matter caused by dis- 
turbed indigestion. 

Symptoms — Wasting away, with no apparent loss of 
appetite. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 2, or Delta. 

Allopathic Remedy- Give ten drops of Tincture of 
Aloes or Spirit of Turpentine in a pint of drinking water. 

CROP BOUND. 

Causes— The most usual cause is that the fowl has 
swallowed something that it cannot digest, such as a 
piece of bone or a stone, which obstructs the natural 
passage, and leaves the stomach empty, and this causes 
hunger. 

Symptoms— Continued hardness of the crop, with a 
disinclination to eat. 



18 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Give No. 10, or Kappa; should 
there be no improvement, the crop has to be opened at 
the side by cutting a slit with a sharp knife, cleaned en- 
tirely out, then closed with a few stitches, taking care 
not to sew the skin of the bird to the sack of the crop; 
after sewing anoint the parts with the Associated Fan- 
ciers' Healing Balm. Give the fowl no water to drink 
for twenty-four hours. Feed it on soft food for a couple 
of days; it will soon recover. 

Allopathic Remedy— Pour warm water down the throat 
which, with a little kneading of the ringers, will soften 
the contents of the crop, then give a dessertspoonful of 
castor oil; if such means fail within Jbrty-eight hours, 
then open the crop as described above. 

SOFT OR SWOLLEN CROP. 

Causes— Fever or inflammation of the crop, which 
causes the fowl to constantly drink, without partaking 
of its proper food. 

Symptoms— Distention of the crop, the contents of 
which are of a soft fluid or soft character, sometimes 
principally air. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Place the bird by itself, feed 
sparingly on cooked, soft food, allowing it to drink after 
each meal, but do not let water remain in the pen; also 
give No. 1, or 19, or Alpha. 

Allopathic Remedy— Slightly acidulate the drinking 
water with nitric acid, mix a half teaspoonful of the 
Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with each 
bird's food every morning; also give onions chopped up 
fine mixed with the food, 



THE POULTRY DOCTOB. 19 

INDIGESTION. 

Causes— Overfeeding, unwholesome diet, injudicious 
use of seasoned food, debilitated system, &c. If neglected 
it will cause an enlargement of the liver to a serious 
extent. 

Symptoms— Apparent laziness, want of appetite, with 
scanty and unhealthy droppings. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Give soft, well-cooked food 
twice a day, also No. 10, or Kappa. 

Allopathic Remedy— Finely chopped onions given 
daily will prove beneficial. Use the Philadelphia Bird 
Food Co's Poultry Powder in the proportion of one table- 
spoonful to each quart of food. 



DIVISION III. 
Diseases of the Air Passages. 

GAPES. 

Causes— Foul water, exposure to wet, damp places, 
particularly at night, want of nourishing food, &c. 

Symptoms— The general symptoms, as the name im- 
plies, consist of constant gaping, coughing and sneezing, 
together with inactivity, and loss of appetite. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the patient to a dry 
locality, and give No. 13, or Epsilon. 

Allopathic Remedy — Give the bird, daily, until it re- 
covers, a small piece of camphor about as large as a grain 



20 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

of wheat, better still one of the Philadelphia Bird Food 
Co's Cholera Pills. Feed the Bird Food Go's Poultry 
Powder liberally. 

PIP. 

Causes — Exposure to damp, or wet weather. 

Symptoms A short, quick, spasmodic cough resemb- 
ling a chirp, with a stoppage of the nostrils, compelling 
the bird to respire through the mouth. It is not consider- 
ed a regular disease itself, but is a symptom only, which 
if not checked will result in a catarrh, and oftentimes 
roup. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the patient to a dry, 
warm place, cleanse out the nostrils with Castile soap and 
water, and give No. 7, or Alpha, to be followed by 
Kappa. 

Allopathic Remedy— Wash out the mouth and nostrils 
with a weak solution of chlorinated soda, and mix Cay- 
enne pepper with the food. In order to prevent a recur- 
rence, add some of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's 
Poultry Powder to the food for a few weeks. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Causes— The same causes that will produce pip will 
cause bronchitis. 

Symptoms Rattling in the throat when breathing, 
caused by cold settling on the lungs of the fowl, and the 
formation of mucus therefrom rising in the windpipe. 
If not checked, it is likely to result in consumption. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Remove to a dry place, and 
give No. 1, or Alpha. 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 21 

Allopathic Remedy— Mix Cayenne pepper or Ginger 
with the food, and slightly acidulate the drinking water 
with sulphuric and nitric acid. It is also of great advan- 
tage to mix the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry 
Powder with the daily food. 

CORYZA OR CATARRH OF THE HEAD. 

Causes— Remaining exposed in damp or wet weather, 
or sudden changes in the weather. 

Symptoms— Frequent sneezing, watering of the eyes, 
with a thin, slimy discharge from the nose; if not imme- 
diately attended to it will invariably run into roup. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — As in other cases of colds, 
remove the fowl to a dry, warm place, wash out the nos- 
trils and eyes with Castile soap and water, and give No. 
19, or Gamma. 

Allopathic Remedy— Feed on soft, warm food, well 
seasoned with Cayenne pepper, and put a little Tincture 
of Aconite in the drinking water, say about three or four 
drops to a half pint of water. The cure will be consider 
ably hastened if a tablespoonful of the Philadelphia Bird 
Food Co's Poultry Powder is added to each quart of soft 
food. 

ROUP. 

Causes — This is considered one of the most dreaded and 
contagious diseases of poultry. It is caused principally 
by a neglect or want of attention to minor diseases of the 
air passages produced by colds: if the breeder will attend 
to the above in time, he will not only save himself a 
great deal of unpleasant doctoring, but the lives of many 
birds, 



22 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

Symptoms— The same as in almost all other diseases 
produced by exposure to cold, wet and damp atmos- 
pheres, only it is of a more aggravated form. The dis- 
charge from the nose and eyes becomes thick, opaque and 
very offensive, the nostrils become filled up and closed 
by the discharge, the eye-lids become swollen and stuck 
together, and often the eye-ball is quite concealed. In 
severe cases the whole face is considerably swelled by the 
diseased secretion, and the poor bird being unable to see 
to feed itself, rapidly wastes away. The disease is highly 
contagious, it being communicated by the effluvia arising 
from the discharges, as well as by the contaminating of 
the drinking water by the sick bird's beak while drink- 
ing. Diseased birds, as soon as noticed, should be imme- 
diately removed from their healthy companions. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— The first thing towards a cure 
is to place the diseased bird in warm, dry quarters, give 
soft food, bathe the head with Castile soap and warm 
water, until the nostrils are opened and the eyes relieved; 
give No. 19, or Gamma. The disease soon runs its course. 
In about a week, the bird will be either almost well, or 
so nearly dead that it had better be killed, and deposited 
two feet under ground to prevent contagion. 

Allopathic Remedy — Remove the dry discharge from 
the eyes and nose, wash the same morning and evening 
with water and vinegar, about half and half, or with 
Labarraqut's solution diluted with half its bulk of water. 
If the discharge from the nostrils is excessive, the pure 
solution should be injected into the nostrils with a small 
syringe, either from the outside or through the slits in 
the^roofof the mouth. If the throat is affected, paint 
the same with the pure solution, using a camel's hair- 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 23 

brush; give the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Roup 
Pills three times a day, as this is the most reliable remedy. 
Also mix the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with the 
daily food in the proportion of a tablespoonful to a quart 
of meal. An onion cut up fine and mixed with the food, 
will be found to be very good. 

DIPHTHERIA, OR ULCERATED THROAT. 

Causes— Roosting or sleeping in a draft, or being con- 
fined in damp places. 

Symptoms — Mouth and throat filling up with a white 
mucus resembling a thick saliva; little white ulcers are 
found in the mouth involving the throat and tongue; it 
is contagious, and unless taken in time it will generally 
prove fatal. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the fowl from its 
healthy companions to a dry place free from draft or 
dampness; feed on soft food only; give No. 34, or Alpha, 
after which open the bill and powder the mouth and 
throat with a mixture of pulverized borax and chlorate 
of potassium or pow^dered burnt alum. 

Allopathic Remedy — The same remedy as given for 
canker, with the exception of the washing of the head 
and eyes. 

CONSUMPTION. 

Causes — It often arises in breeding in and in for too 
long a period, but most generally it is caused by a neg- 
lected cold, or being confined in dark, unhealthy places, 
which cause scrofulous tubercles on the lungs, liver, and 
other organs of the body. 



24 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

Symptoms— The symptoms are hardly observable in 
the early stages of the disease. In the more advanced 
state, there is a cough and wasting away of flesh, and, 
consequently, indications of weakness, notwithstanding 
they are well fed. It is considered hereditary, and birds 
so affected should not be bred from. 

Homoeopathic Remedy - Give the bird good care; house 
it well; give soft, stimulating food containing barley 
meal, together with No. 7, or Epsilon. 

Allopathic Remedy— This disease can be prevented, 
with care, when it is suspected to have commenced; give 
cod liver oil, a teaspoonful once or twice a day, also mix 
a teaspoonful of chemical food syrup with the soft food. 
In advanced stages it is incurable. 



DEBILITY. 

Causes — Overshowing at exhibitions, close confinement 
without fresh air, or it may be produced by a severe 
shock. 

Symptoms — Drooping without apparent cause, want of 
appetite, out of condition, and general prostration. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Feed on good, wholesome food 
a little at a time, give a raw egg daily until the appetite 
appears to return, when change to a little cooked meat, 
also give No. 7, alternate with No. 10, or Kappa. 

Allopathic Remedy — Mix a teaspoonful of chemical 
food syrup in the fowl's food daily, and put ten drops 
of tincture of chloride of iron in the drinking water. The 
daily administration of the Bird Food Co's Poultry Pow- 
der is also of the highest advantage, 



THE POLTLTKY DOCTOR, 25 

BLACK ROT, 

Causes — This disease is generally caused by want of 
exercise, continued sameness of food, indigestion, and 
want of green food. 

Symptoms-Comb turning black, swelling of the feet 
and legs, accompanied by gradual emaciation. 

Homoeopathic Remedy - Give warm, nourishing food, 
and No. 10, or Gamma; raw eggs may also be given every 
other day. 

Allopathic Remedy — The same treatment as that pre- 
scribed for indigestion will generally prove effective. 



DIVISION IV. 

Diseases of the Egg Organs. 

HERNIA, OR PROTRUSION OF THE EGG 
PASSAGES. 

Causes— It is caused by the exertions of the hen to 
expel an unusually large egg, or in old fowls the general 
relaxation of the system. 

Symptoms -Protrusion of the laying gut of the hen, 
which is forced out to such an extent after laying, that 
it oftentimes does not recede. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Put the hen on a diet of rice 
and boiled potatoes, give No. 24, and 35, or Iota, alter- 
nately. If the gut shows no indication of receding itself, 



26 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

bathe the parts with lukewarm water, and after rubbing 
the protrusion with the Associated Fanciers' Healing 
Balm, linseed, or sweet oil, gently press it back into the 
body. 

Allopathic Remedy— Put the bird on a diet of non-egg 
producing food such as boiled rice and potatoes, gi\e 
daily, a pill composed of one grain of calomel, one- 
quarter of a grain of tartar emetic, and one half grain of 
opium; the above is for a large fmyl, one-half a pill will 
be sufficient for a small bird. 

SOFTSHEL, ^GGS. 

Causes— Overfeeding, and the want of the proper ma- 
terial for the hens to eat so as to form the shell. 

Symptoms— More or less inflammation of the egg 
passage, and the appearance of the egg itself. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Give No 1, or Kappa: restrain 
from overfeeding, and place within reach of the hens 
plenty of old mortar, or pounded up burnt oyster shells. 

Allopathic Remedy — Where it arises from the inflam- 
mation of the egg passage, give a bolus of barley meal 
containing one grain of calomel, and a quarter grain of 
tartar emetic. As the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder 
contains the shell-producing elements, it is of very great 
advantage to feed a liberal allowance of this powder 
daily. 

ABORTION. 

Causes — Fright from chasing by a person, dog, or other 
fowls 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 27 

Symptoms— Dropping suddenly of a soft-shell or per- 
fect egg, and afterwards moping about as if not well. 

Homoeopathic Remedy.— Place the hen by herself in a 
pen with a nest, give soft food with ground oyster shells 
until she lays all right; also give Eta. 

Allopathic Remedy -Put a little sodium bicarbonate in 
the drinking water, about five drops to a half pint of 
water. Improve the general condition by the daily use 
of the Philadelphia Bird Food Go's Poultry Powder for a 
few weeks. 



DIVISION V. 



Diseases of the Limbs and Feet. 



GOUT, RHEUMATISM AND CRAMP. 

Causes— Exposure to cold or wet, roosting in damp, 
cold houses or places. 

Symptoms— These diseases arising from the same causes 
require the same treatment, though they are of a different 
nature; they consist of a disinclination and inability to 
use the limbs or feet, which oftentimes become swollen 
and feverish, or grow stiff and powerless, thereby com- 
pelling the bird to sit about, and prevent it from roosting 
on perches. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Remove the bird to a comfort- 
able, dry place, give plenty of nourishing food and rub 
the limbs and feet with the Associated Fanciers' Healing 



-28 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

Balm, butter or lard, also give No. 15, or Beta, 

Allopathic Remedy— Mix Cayenne pepper with the 
food, feed a little cooked meat, and give twice a day a 
pill containing half a grain powdered eolchicum root, also 
rub the limbs and joints with Tomlinson's H.fT.H. Med- 
icine, which is generally regarded as the most efficacious 
external remedy for rheumatism in man or animals. 

LEG WEAKNESS. 

Causes— This complaint should not be confounded with 
the previous one; it often arises from the breeding of the 
same strain of fowls in and in for too long a period, but 
it is usually caused by too high feeding, which increases 
the weight of the body out of proportion to the muscular 
strength of the limbs; it more generally occurs in the 
large breedssuch as tiie Cochins, and Brahmas, particu- 
larly in the Cockerels. 

Symptoms — Squatting around on their hocks, after 
standing for a short time, as if tired: in bad cases they 
are unable to stand on their feet at all. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 24, or Kappa with a 
due supply of nutritious food, such as wheat or barley, 
with a daily feed of worms or raw meat chopped fine; 
when the weather is not too cold, dip the legs in cold 
water for a few minutes. 

Allopathic Remedy— In the early stage give chemical 
food syrup, say a teaspoonful diluted with half water. 
Should that not prove beneficial, give the following pill 
twice or three times a day: one grain of sulphate of iron, 
five grains of phosphate of lime, and half a grain of qui- 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 29 

nine. The daily use of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's 
Poultry Powder is also highly recommended. 

BUMBLE FOOT. 

Causes— This is caused by the birds roosting on a small 
uneven perch, or in flying down from a high one upon a 
hard surface, thereby bruising their feet; it occurs mostly 
with the heavier varieties of fowls. 

Symptoms— It commences with a small swelling or 
corn in the ball of the foot, which enlarges, becomes soft, 
and finally ulcerated. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the bird to a place 
without perches; give No. 23, or Kappa. If it becomes 
ulcerated, first wash out the sore with Castile soap and 
warm water, then dip the foot in a solution of one-fourth 
ounce sulphate of copper to a quart of water; this may be 
repeated two or three times a day. 

Allopathic Remedy— If taken in time a cure may be 
affected by painting the part with iodine. When the 
tumor is soft or in the form of an abscess, puncture it With 
a knife and press out the matter, after which cauterize 
the part with nitrate of silver. 

SCALY LEGS OR ELEPHANTIASIS. 

Causes— Too close confinement or being kept in damp, 
muddy runs, overfeeding, insufficient meat or green food, 
^he disease is said to be infectious. 

Symptoms -The appearance of a whitish scurf which 
__<rms on the skin of the legs and toes; if neglected it 
becomes hard and warty in appearance, 



30 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Keep the bird in a clean place; 
give No. 14, or Iota, wash the legs clean with soap and 
water, and when they become dry anoint them with lard 
mixed with sulphur, or rub them with coal oil; a few 
applications will generally suffice. 

Allopathic Remedy— First wash the legs clean with 
Castile soap and water, and when they are dry rub them 
with the Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm. 



V % DIVISION VI. 

Diseases of the Skin. 

BAB MOULTING. 

Causes — Though moulting may not be classified as a 
disease, it is considered the most critical period of the 
year for old fowls. There is a greater drain upon the 
system of the fowl during its change of feathers than at 
any other time, as not only do the life-giving processes of 
nature have to be sustained, but an entire new coat has to 
be grown. Bad moulting is generally caused by either 
close confinement, improper food, or a constitutional 
weakness of the fowl, occasioned by too long in and in 
breeding. 

Symptoms— A general wasting away, inactivity of the 
bird during the time of the process of moulting. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Take good care that the fowl 
is kept warm, and not allowed to go into the wet or rainj 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 31 

give soft, warm food in the morning, with good grain 
mixed with hemp seed in the evening, also a little chop- 
ped meat daily. No. 24, or Kappa may be given; keep a 
rusty piece of iron in the drinking tank. 

Allopathic Remedy— Give warm, stimulating, well- 
peppered food daily, together with meat chopped fine, or 
bread soaked in ale; also add a tablespoonful of the Bird 
Food Co's Poultry Powder to each quart of food. 

BAD FLEDGING. 

Causes— The ailment occurs in chicks, it is very simi- 
lar to moulting in fowls, and is occasioned principally by 
the same causes, has generally the same symptoms, and 
is alleviated by the same remedies. 

CHICKEN POX. 

Causes— This disease is frequently caused by unfavora- 
ble condition of the atmosphere, and generally occurs in 
cold, wet weather. It is of an infectious character. 

Symptoms— The head, face, or body is covered with 
small ulcers, containing an infectious matter. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Give No. 14, or Iota, and wash 
the parts with Castile soap and vinegar, diluted about 
one half with water. 

Allopathic Remedy— First, wash with Castile soap^ 
and then with a strong solution of Potassium Chlorate; 
also mix a little pulverized charcoal and sulphur in the 
soft food, about a teaspoonful of each to a pint of meal. 
The cure will be hastened, and the condition of the sick 
fowl will be materially improved by the daily use of the 



S2 THE POULTRY DOCTOB. 

Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder, used ac- 
cording to the directions. 



WHITE COMB, SCURVY, OR ITCH. 

Causes —Foul coops, decayed food, impure water, and 
overcrowding in dark houses. 

Symptoms — Scurfy appearance of the comb, wattles, 
head and neck, with a gradual loss of feathers from the 
head and neck. 

Homoeopathic Remedy— Remove to clean quarters, 
give wholesome food, together with No. 14, or Iota. 

Allopathic Remedy —First, give a teaspoonful of castor 
oil, after which give daily, a teaspoonful of powdered 
sulphur in the food ; should the sulphur cause irritation, 
cease giving it, anoint the parts with the Associated 
Fanciers' Healing Balm; also mix a tablespoonful of the 
Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with the daily food. 



FROSTED COMB AND WATTLES. 

Causes — Exposure to cold freezing weather, more par- 
ticularly at night. 

Symptoms— Discoloration of the top of the comb, and 
edges of the wattles, which first turn a purplish color, 
and afterwards become pale and bloodless. 

Homoeopathic Remedy — Anoint the parts with the 
Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm. 

Allopathic Remedy — Bathe with cold water, after 
which, apply the Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm. 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 33 

VERMIN. 

Causes — Filthiness of quarters, foul nests, want of sand 
baths. 

Symptoms — General wasting away, with a constant 
pecking and scratching of the body. 

Remedy — Clean out and fumigate the hen house by 
shutting it up tight, and burning sulphur therein; give 
new nests, with a dust bath mixed with carbolate of lime 
in powder, or lac sulphur, also dust the latter into the 
roots, of the feathers of the fowls, and if the bird appears 
to be suffering from debility, treat it for the same as al- 
ready prescribed. The most efficient treatment of all 
consists in thoroughly sprinkling the fowls with the 
Bird Food Co's Mite Exterminator, which is entirely 
harmless. 



DIVISION VII. 
Fractures and Bruises. 

BROKEN BONES AND FRACTURES. 

Causes — The causes are generally occasioned by acci- 
dents; no one but a heartless brute would designedly 
maim a dumb animal, and such a beast should be treated 
to the coat of the fowl with plenty of tar well rubbed on. 

Symptoms— In cases where the bones of the body are 
out of place or broker^ it is hard to perceive it, but when 



34 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

a leg or wing is broken, it is more readily observed, as 
the wing will hang down, or the leg will drag, or appear 
powerless. Where the main bones are broken, the two 
ends will often overlap each other, so that one can feel 
the protrusion, or the gritting of the pieces when placed 
in position. The fractured place will become swollen or 
inflamed. 

Remedy — Where the bones of the body are fractured 
or broken, nothing can be done more than keeping the 
bird quiet until it either recovers or dies. When the 
wing is fractured or broken, first put the fractured parts 
carefully in place, then tie the wing feathers tightly to- 
gether about an inch from the ends. As regards the 
legs or thighs, the best plan after putting the ends in 
position is to wrap around them smoothly and tightly 
several times a piece of soft brown paper; make it as wide 
as possible, then spread over the paper the white of an 
egg beaten into a froth, which, when it becomes dry will 
make the paper stiff; it is well to tie splints on the bro- 
ken limb until the paper becomes dry, so as to keep it in 
position, after which the splints can be removed. Dur 
ing the convalescence of the bird it should be kept by 
itself in a sequestered place, and fed sparingly on nour- 
ishing food 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR, 35 

DIVISION VIII. 
Miscellaneous. 



FEATHER EATING. 

This is caused generally by keeping fowls in small yards 
or runs, and is almost invariably confined to hens; it is 
nothing more than a bad habit they get into for the want 
of something else to do; when once practiced it is hard to 
break up. The best way to put a stop to it when first 
noticed, is to immediately separate the refractory one from 
its companions, and keep it separate until it forgets the 
habit, or else place the guilty one in a pen alone with a 
bully of the same sex, which will soon teach it manners, 
if it attempts to practice on it. It occurs more in the 
French and Game varieties than any other. The general 
condition of the fowl will be improved by a daily dose of 
the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder. 

WRY TAIL. 

This fault, which consists in the bird carrying its tail to 
one side, generally arises from a weak organization, 
brought about by too long breeding in and in, particular- 
ly when birds are bred in confined quarters; when such 
conditions appear frequently, the best plan is to change 
your strain of birds by crossing with a cock or bird of 
more vigorous blood. A wry tail can be frequently rec- 
tified by cutting a small piece out of the flesh of the bird 
at the root of the tail feathers on the opposite side to the 



36 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 



one the tail is inclined to lean, after the wound heals the 
tail will be drawn over to that side. 

SQUIRREL TAIL. 

That fault consists in the bird throwing his tail too much 
towards his head, on account of which the sickle feath- 
ers of the cock will not flow gracefully back, but fall out 
sideways from the main tail feathers. It can be reme- 
died by cutting the cord that will be found on top of the 
base of the tail. 




THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 37 



KEEPING AND REARING POULTRY. 



HOUSES AND YARDS FOR POULTRY. 

Poultry caiiDot be kept profitably unless proper and 
personal attention is given to them. The first thing to 
take into consideration is the construction of places to 
keep them in. The best soil on which to build your house 
and establish your yards, is a gravely or sandy one, as it 
is more apt to be free from dampness, which is a great 
inductive to disease. Houses should be built facing the 
south or south-east, and of such size as to comfortably 
accommodate without crowding the quantity of birds 
that may be desired to be kept. It is immaterial of what 
the houses are composed, so that they are sufficiently 
lighted, warm and dry, free from drafts, yet susceptible 
of ventilation, and capable of being easily cleaned, which 
should be done at least once a week. The value of the 
dung will amply pay for the trouble. The perches should 
be flat, from three to four inches wide, and for heavy 
birds should be about eighteen inches from the ground. 
If they are small, they are apt to produce crooked breast 
bones in the fowls; and if they are too high from the 
ground, they are apt to cause bumble feet in the fowls 
on account of their flying down from them and striking 
the ground with force. 



38 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

As regards the nasts, boxes should be placed on the 
ground, as the fowl* will not roost on them; they should 
T)e unattached to the house, so that they can be readily 
removed and cleaned out. Empty cheese boxes answer 
well, as they are round, and have no corners for vermin 
to accumulate in. Salt hay or fine long wood shavings, 
such as are called excelsior, make the best kind of mater- 
ial for nests. 

If the fowls are not allowed to run at large, runs must 
be constructed of sufficient size so as to healthfully ac- 
commodate the quantity of fowls kept therein— for in- 
stance, a run of eighteen feet long by nine feet wide, will 
be sufficient for half a dozen birds, providing it is kept 
clean; of course, the larger the runs the better. 

SELECTION OF STOCK. 

If for producing stock or show birds, always pick out 
strong, well-formed birds not over two years of age, as 
fowls are supposed to be in their prime at that age. Three 
or four hens are the proper quantity for one cock in such 
cases, the smaller the number of hens to the cock, the 
more certainty there will be of the fertility of the eggs, 
and the stronger the chicks will prove to be. In raising 
game birds for pit purposes, breeders rarely put more than 
two hens with the cock, frequently only one. If the 
breeder desires to raise more chicks than pullets, he 
should mate a young breeding cock to old hens, or should 
he want more pullets, reverse the order, when the result 
will generally be satisfactory. If fowls are kept for the 
purpose of laying eggs only, it is really not necessary t« 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 39 

keep a cock bird at all, as hens will lay just as well if not 
better, without one. The only advantage in keeping one 
is, that the hens will be more satisfied to remain at home. 
In selecting hens for laying, always pick out young, 
early - hatched birds, as they will commence to lay 
soonest. 

FEEDING AND riANAGEHENT. 

A judicious system of feeding is necessary for the wel- 
fare of poultry; fowls will not pay if starved, and if over- 
fed, they will become too fat, lazy and useless, both for 
breeding and laying; besides, when in the latter condi- 
tion, they are more susceptible to diseases; two meals a 
day, one in the morning, and one in the evening, are 
sufficient, give them as much as they will eat eagerly, 
and no more; grain, alone, will answer for fowls that 
roam at large during the summer, but for fowls confined 
to a run green or fresh vegetable food must be given in 
order to keep the birds in health. Grass is the best green 
food that can be given, or cabbage leaves, or turnips, 
chopped up fine, and fed daily. In addition to the other 
food, fowls should always be supplied with lime, mortar, 
or oyster shells pounded up fine. These articles help the 
hens to form their egg shells, as well as adding to their 
digestive powers 

Fowls should never be left without plenty of pure water, 
given fresh at least once a day. In winter time, the- 
morning meal should consist of soft food, such as boiled 
potatoes mashed up, and mixed with enough scalded 
bran, or corn meal, to make a stiff, dry paste; a little 
seasoning of pepper in it will add to the health and lay- 



40 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

ing qualities. It should always be fed warm. It is im- 
portant in cold , weather, that the birds should have a 
fresh supply in their system as early as possible in the 
day. By feeding them on whole grain in the evenings, 
they have all night to digest it, which process in winter 
ieeps their digestive organs in operation and helps to 
warm them up. A change of the kind of grain, offandon, 
will prove beneficial. It is also well in winter, and dur- 
ing the moulting season, to place a rusty piece of iron, 
such as an old horseshoe, in the drinking vessel. This will 
give the water a mineral taste, and act as a tonic gener- 
ally. A very material improvement will soon be noticed 
in those fowls to whom a daily dose of the Philadelphia 
Bird Food Go's Poultry Powder is administered. 

INCUBATION. 

Eggs for hatching should be as fresh as possible, and 
from strong, healthy birds to insure success; although 
eggs two months old will frequently hatch, it would be 
^advisable to set none that are more than half that age. 
To preserve eggs for hatching, they should be placed in 
bran, or saw dust, with the point downwards, and kept 
in a cool place until they are wanted. From nine to thir- 
teen eggs are sufficient to set under an ordinary sized hen. 
The cooler the weather the smaller the number ought to 
be in order to hatch successfully. 

The chicks, as a general thing, will make their appear- 
ance on the twenty-first day, but if the eggs are perfectly 
fresh, they may hasten their time by twenty-four hours, 
or if the eggs are stale, they may not appear until the 
-twenty second day. Eggs, before set, should be marked 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 41 

with a circle all around them, in ink, so as to more readi- 
ly detect any other eggs that may have been laid to the 
original setting. Hens, after they are set, will often lay 
for a couple of days. In making up the nest for a setting 
hen, it should if possible be on the ground, or if not, the 
bottom of the box should have from one to two inches of 
earth placed therein before putting in the material for 
ihe nest. The object of this is to keep the underpart of 
the eggs more moist, which will ensure an easier job for the 
the chick to make its way out of the shell, by preventing 
lining of the shell from sticking to the body of the chick 
and retarding its progress. It is also advisable to dampen 
the eggs with tepid water twenty- four hours before their 
time for coming forth, as that will also aid the chicks in 
freeing themselves and prevent them from sticking to 
the shells, and also aid them in breaking through a 
thick-skinned or hard shelled egg. The material for 
nests for setting hens should be of the same as that of 
the one she is accustomed to lay in. A sprinkling of fine 
tobacco, carbolic powder or lac sulphur should be mixed 
therein, as it will insure against accumulation or breed- 
ing of lice, which is one of the greatest drawbacks, to the 
growth and health of young chicks, and they should be 
ker>t free from them at the start. Many persons remove 
the chicks from the hen as soon as they hatch and place 
them in a warm place until her task is completed, when 
they are all restored; the object is to prevent the chicks 
from interfering with the other eggs while hatching, and 
also to keep the hen from tramping on them, should she 
in any way become excitable. 

It is always advisable to set two hens at the same time, 
so that in case the hatch does not turn out well numer- 



42 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

well fed, good healthy hens will bear setting three times 
in succession, although only twice is safer. Setting hens 
should have a separate place provided for them so as to 
be free from the interference of the laying ones. If they 
are confined to a pen or a run, it is essentially necessary 
that they have a dust bath within their reach, and at 
the same time have plenty of food and water handy and 
ready for them at all times. Hens generally regulate 
their time for recess, or staying off their eggs, but should 
they extend it beyond reason, say half an hour, they 
should be gently driven back, although instances are 
known where the eggs have hatched when they have 
been six to ten hours deserted. 

It is always well to keep a good watch over your set- 
ters as all kinds of mishaps are likely to occur, for in- 
stance, a hen may mash a thin shell egg, or in getting on 
or off the nest she may crack or break one, in which case 
the others are apt to become badly smeared, which will 
prevent them from hatching; should such a mishap oc- 
cur take the sound eggs out, wipe them off clean, using 
a cloth dampened in warm water, make a new nest, place 
the rest of the eggs back and try it over again. 

Artificial incubation is gradually making its way 
among breeders of poultry, it certainly has proved itself 
practicable, and has its advantages for those who breed 
on a large scale. I do not propose to give you the history 
of the same, but would recommend those of my readers 
who are interested, to apply to some of the inventors and 
manufacturers of the machines, of whom there are a great 
many in the United States. 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR, 43 

REARING AND FATTENING CHICKS. 

For twenty-four hours after a chick is hatched, it re- 
quires no food at all. The best mixture for the first two 
or three meals, is an equal part of the yolk of a hard- 
boiled egg and stale bread crumbs, moistened with a little 
warm milk. After the chicks appear to be strong enough 
to properly support themselves, remove the hen from the 
nest and place her out in a coop where the chicks can get 
the full benefit of the sun. The best place to set a coop 
is under a shed or a thick foliaged tree, so that it can be 
protected as much as possible from rain and windstorms; 
if possible, it should be convenient to a location where 
the chicks can obtain plenty of grass, as it is a great pro- 
ducer of health, growth and vigor After the first two 
or three days give meals of bread and egg. The best food 
to give is coarsely ground oatmeal and bran, or Indian 
meals and bran, just enough moistened with hot water 
to make it crumbly. We have always found it more to 
the advantage of chicks as soon as they are able, say in a 
couple of weeks time to feed them entirely on dry food, 
such as cracked corn or bruised wheat, especially for the 
last meal at night. Chicks should be fed four or five 
times a day until they are about a month old, after 
which it can be reduced to three times a day. 

Chicks should be encouraged to roost as early in life as 
possible; the sooner they do so, the more rapidly they 
commence to develop. It is very essential to their 
growth to keep them perfectly free from lice from the 
time they are taken from their nest with the hen, as 
nothing under heaven will do more to stunt their growth 
than filth and lice. 



m THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

The coop containing the hen should be moved every 
Ifew days, and either set in a fresh place or the manure 
^kould be removed therefrom. Always keep plenty of 
ftesh clean water within reach for the birds to drink. 
J&ever give more food at a meal than the chicks can eat, 
#>rif it lays around, it is apt to get sour and indigestible. 
A little raw beef's liver chopped up fine and fed twice a 
week will help the growth and strength of your young 
•thicks. Where the chicks cannot get all the grass they 
want, green food should be furnished to them daily, as it 
is really more essential to growing chicks than to fowls. 

"When chickens are four months old, they should be 
ferge enough for the table. Before killing, they should 
be penned up for about two or three weeks to fatten, 
which should be done in the following manner: Place 
fgiena in a coop in a dry quarter, feed them at least three 
times a day from the outside of the coop, after which 
darken the coop up by throwing a cloth or cover over it 
B» as to prevent the chickens from worrying themselves 
m trying to get out. The best food for fattening consists 
®fa mixture of buckwheat and Indian meals or Indian 
aind barley meals, moistened with sweet milk. A little 
green food should be given daily so as to keep their 
Ife&wels in order. Always keep their coops clean and give 
item plenty of fresh, clean water. 

KILLING AND DRESSING POULTRY. 

There are various modes of killing chickens, but about 

a& g©@d a way as any, and one that will not disfigure 

£^®m, is to hang them up by their feet, then take a sharp 

^Jfeng blade of a penknife, and stick them through the 



THK POULTRY DOfTOIt, 



45 



back part of the roof of the mouth, running it up into the 
brain; death will occur almost insiantly. They should 
be picked while yet warm, to make them look plump and 
nice, dip them for a second or two into boiling water after 
they are picked. They should never be drawn until 
they are wanted to cook, as they will keep longer and 
better without. 




FANCIERS' HAND BOOKS 



PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS. 



The Phila. Bird Food Go's Practical 
Book on Cage Birds. 

Containing over 150 engravings and a lithographic 
plate showing all the different kinds of Fancy Canaries 
in their natural colors, full information in regard to 
song and fancy Canaries and how to breed them for 
profit. Hints on the treatment and breeding of all kinds 
of cage birds, w:'th description of their diseases and the 4 
remedies needed to cure them. All about parrots and 
how to teach them to talk. Instructions for building 
and stocking an aviary. Mailed to any address for 15c. 

Associated Fanciers' Practical Hand 
Book on Poultry. 

Containing 120 pages, a beautiful lithographic plate 
of a group of different fowls in natural colors, engrav- 
ings of all kinds of land and water poultry, descriptions 
of the breeds, plans for poultry houses, how to manage 
an incubator, all about caponizing, and the value of 
different breeds. Will be mailed to any address on 
receipt of 15 cents. 

The Toy Dog. 

Treating of his origin and the many different varieties. 
How to select, breed and manage them. Their diseases, 
and symptoms, with remedies for the same by homoeo- 
pathic and allopathic treatments. By the late John E. 
Diehl. Mailed on receipt of 25 cents. 



The Associated Fanciers' Book of 
the Dog. 

Contains a finely executed colored frontispiece, well 
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all kinds of dog furnishing goods. It is worth a great 
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those who are interested in dogs should send for it. 

The Poultry Doctor. 

A valuable little book for the Fancier and Breeder of 
Poultry. Showing how to rear and keep Poultry, giving 
symptoms of their different ailments with treatment by 
allopathic and homoeopathic remedies. By the late John 
E. Diehl, American Poultry Association Judge. Mailed 
on receipt of 25 cents. 

The Domestic Cat. 

Its different breeds and varieties, how to keep and 
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This book is invaluable to the owners of cats. Written 
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A complete set of the above six books will be mailed 
on receipt of $1.00. 

Bemit for all the above books to 

THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, 

No. 400 North Third Street, 
i, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



INDEX. 



ABORTION 26 

ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT 9 

APOPLEXY, 12 

BRONCHITIS, 20 

BLACK ROT, 25- 

BUMBLE FOOT, ........ 29 

BAD MOULTING, 30 

BAD FLEDGING, ....... 31 

BROKEN BONES 33 

CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES, 10 

CANKERS OF THE MOUTH, COMB, HEAD OR EYES, . 13 

CHOLERA, 15 

COSTIVENESS AND CONSTIPATION, .... 16 

CROP BOUND, 17 

CORYZA, OR CATARRH OF THE NOSE, ... 21 

CONSUMPTION, 23 

CRAMP, . - . 27 

CHICKEN POX, . 31 

DIET 8 

DIARRHOEA, . 14 

DROPSY, 16 

DIPHTHERIA, . 23 

DEBILITY 24 

DRESSING POULTRY, . 44 

EPILEPSY . . . 12 

ELEPHANTIASIS 29 

FEVERS, . . . . .... 12 

FROSTED COMB, . . . . ... 32 

FRACTURES AND BRUISES, . . . . . 33 

FEATHER EATING, ...... 3§ 



THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 

FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT, . . . . „ m 

FATTENING, M 

GAPES, . m 

GOUT, ......... m 

HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT, . . . , M 

HERNIA, :M 

HOUSES FOR POULTRY, ....... & 

INDIGESTION, If 

ITCH, ......... m. 

INCUBATION, ......„, -m 

KEEPING POULTRY m 

KILLING AND DRESSING POULTRY, M 

LEG WEAKNESS -^, 3» 

MOULTING, m 

MANAGEMENT, ........ 39 

NURSING, « 

PARALYSIS ........ II 

PIP, 3D 

PROTRUSION OF THE EGG PASSAGE, ..... :2S 

ROUP, - m. 

RHEUMATISM, - *g 

REARING POULTRY, - W. 

REARING CHICKS, - « 

SWELLING OF THE HEAD, - u£ 

SORE EYES, - 14 

SOFT OR SWOLLEN CROP, ..... n 

SOFT SHELL EGGS, - - ..... ^ 

SCALY LEGS, t» 

SCURVY, §8 

SQUIRREL TAIL, 3§ 

SELECTION OF STOCK, ...... M 

TUMORS, If 

ULCERATED THROAT, im 

VERTIGO, it 

VERMIN, U 

WORMS, ......... i? 

WHITE COMB, 3t 

WRY TAIL, 3§ 

YARD FOR POULTRY, m 



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